Washington State fires Ken Bone

Washington State has fired Ken Bone after five seasons as the men’s basketball coach.

Bone went 80-86 in his career with the Cougars, but has been let go after a frustrating 10-21 season. Bone had big shoes to fill as he took over for Tony Bennett who took the Cougars to two NCAA Tournament appearances in his three years as coach before leaving to take the Virginia job.

Bone was in the fifth year of his seven year deal. The buyout will include his pay for the final two years worth $1.7 million.

“I appreciate what Ken has done for Cougar basketball, leading us to the postseason twice in the past four years, and I thanked him for his service to WSU,” athletic director Bill Moos said in a statement. “But at this point we need to revitalize our fan base, particularly our student body, and position this program to compete for championships.”

Bone previously took Portland State to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances before being hired by Washington State.